eLearning+Research


 * Computer based learning in agriculture**
 * The Department of Agriculture initiated a [|cyber extension project]in 2004 to see the possibility of using computer based learning materials in farmer education. By the time I was looking for an interesting title to start my M.Phil studies and my supervisor and mentor Dr. Wickramasuriya suggested me exploring this field. I got a chance to closely monitor the implementation process and was able to visit Cyber Extension Units (CEUs) in nine districts. I have interviewed more than 30 Agriculture instructors and ARPAs who have experienced cyber agriculture extension in various capacities e.g. Officer in-charge of CEUs, trainers, Extension officers. I have also talk to the farmers who are the main beneficiaries of cyber extension



The farmers and extension officers who experienced cyber extension was generally happy with the initiation. However it was more popular among young, educated farmers who had some computer exposure.

click the following link to download detailed presentation ||  || **eLearning in agriculture higher education** ||   ||
 * The Faculty of Agriculture, UOP initiated a Leaning Management System (LMS) in 2006 to which teachers can upload ELMs so that students would have free access to additional learning resources. The use of the LMS among students and there attitude towards elearning experience was studied

Majority have used the LMS as additional learning resources and felt that the LMS was useful for their studies. Thus had positive attitudes on using computer based learning resources. Students who frequently used the internet for academic purposes had higher GPAs indicating higher academic performances. Frequent use of computers for academic and other purposes was positively related to computer exposure. One major limitation was the non availability of ELMs for all the subjects. An average student may take 55-60 courses during the undergraduate degree programme but ELMs were available for only 13 courses during the study. Thus many students suggested increasing the number of ELMs.

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